BY ANNA DORL
As consumers consider sustainable fashion, their support of its continued presence has kept greener choices in clothing on trend, making it increasingly possible (and popular) to purchase products that make less of an impact on the planet. Although different lifestyles and needs make us consider different form and function in the items we purchase, if you’re reading this, we can most likely agree on the importance of sustainability. Whether you’re heading to work or back to school as autumn emerges, it’s likely that you’re searching for outfit staples and statement pieces. Here are a handful of some standout items this season to freshen up your look as the air (hopefully) starts to cool down.
Kuna Crossbody Bag by Torrain
Perfect for both everyday use and occasional adventures, the Kuna Crossbody Bag by Torrain is built with an “overflap” to keep all of your stuff safely inside. This bag style’s bold colors and patterns are eye-catching and interest-piquing, like its topography and fish prints. Its single shoulder strap can be adjusted for length. Torrain’s unique products are constructed from upcycled bags that previously held materials like animal feed and cement mix. As a result, the bag is easy to clean and use, and fun to look at. On the inside of each purse, recycled plastic bottles find a new life and a purpose. www.torrain.org
Go-To Lug Chelsea Boot by Nisolo
Whether you plan to traipse through the woods on nature walks this autumn or just go back and forth between work and home, you may need a new pair of shoes. Nisolo’s Go-To Lug Chelsea Boots (sold in black and gray) could be an eco-conscious investment for your closet. Inside, each shoe has a memory foam CellfitTM insole; externally, each includes an XL Extralight® treaded EVA lug sole. These all-weather, lighter-weight boots are crafted with upper leather certified by Leather Working Group, a not- for-profit that drives best practices and positive social and environmental change for responsible leather production. As shoes go, vegans may want to opt out. But, as Nisolo explains further, these boots are made with “100% Living Wages” and “0% Net Carbon.” www.nisolo.com
Compressive High-Rise Legging by Girlfriend Collective
Once autumn arrives, many shoppers find themselves in need of a new pair of leggings. Instead of running to purchase the latest popular pairs from fast fashion brands, consider a company that puts the planet first. The brand— whose recycled fabrics are certified STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX — emphasizes, “old water bottles and fishing nets look better on you than they do clogging landfills and polluting oceans.” The Compressive High-Rise Legging is a classic clothing staple created from 25 recycled water bottles and is the company’s self-described “number one seller.” This compressive style comes in multiple color choices, as well as size options from XXS through 6XL. www.girlfriend.com
Petra Recycled Linen Top by Yellow The Label
Although fall is fast approaching, many people in warmer climates are still able to enjoy the carefree fashions of the summer season. The Petra Recycled Linen Top (pictured here in Azure; also available in Pearl) by Yellow The Label is an airy top created with recycled lined linen. This piece captures a casually sophisticated look all while being eco-conscious. Its soothing color scheme is perfect for the sometimes-stressful transition from late summer into early fall. Yellow The Label’s dedication to slow fashion underscores its brand identity, including items made with sustainable fabrics in factories that hold ethical certifications. www.yllwthelabel.com
True Knit Sweater by Organic Basics
For those fully embracing the chilly weather to come, this piece is perfect to add to your autumnal outfit roster. The True Knit Sweater by Organic Basics is composed of GOTS- certified organic cotton, and its simple flat-knit style and availability in a handful of colors only increases its appeal. For each item on its website, Organic Basics also lists the total carbon footprint of the item across its supply chain, cataloging raw material production and extraction, final assembly, packaging and transport. Organic Basics even offsets its own carbon emissions through a partnership with One Carbon World and calculation help from Made2Flow. www.us.organicbasics.com
